Beneficial Insects and Other Creepy Creatures
Course | Registration opens 8/3/2026 8:00 AM EDT
Come join a curious, lighthearted journey into the world of beneficial insects and other wonderfully “creepy” creatures that quietly keep our ecosystems running. In this lecture, we will explore the surprising lives of pollinators, decomposers, and natural pest controllers—those small beings that often go unnoticed but are essential to the health of gardens, forests, and even our cities. The talk reflects the spirit of a seventy-years-young scientist who believes curiosity is a source of perpetual youth. Plenty of time will be reserved afterward for questions, stories, and shared discoveries.
Jorge Santiago-Blay
Dr. Jorge A. Santiago-Blay is an educator and researcher dedicated to sharing curiosity across disciplines. Recently, he completed a Fulbright Specialist appointment at the University of Helsinki (Finland) where he worked on the history of genetics. In Helsinki, he volunteered in community organizing, sang in a choir, began learning samba in a tunnel under a temple, and built many friendships and collaborations. He looks forward to returning there soon.